Elephant with baby by river, Lower Zambezi, Zambia

Lower Zambezi

The Lower Zambezi is a beautiful area where the river and the wildlife meet in silence.

The Lower Zambezi National Park is a magnificent wilderness made up of the Zambezi River flood plain, a strip of woodland and grassland, and the more heavily wooded Zambezi Escarpment, which lies between the river plains and the central plateau to the north.

The Zambezi River meanders alongside the park, attracting a variety of wildlife to its islands and creating incomparable canoeing and game viewing opportunities. Home to lions, leopards, herds of elephants and buffalos, hippos and over 300 bird species, the park is packed with wildlife. The variety of activities on offer makes it an attractive area to unpack for a few days and try the boating, tiger fishing, canoeing, bush walks and game drives.

Canoeing on the Zambezi, Zambia
Zambia
Elephant bathing in the river Zambezi, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Lower Zambezi, Zambia

A little more about the Lower Zambezi

The Lower Zambezi is a beautiful area where the river and the wildlife meet in silence. There is nothing quite as rejuvenating as gliding through the waterways adjoining the Zambezi River in a canoe to view birds, hippos and other wildlife.

The river can’t be beaten for the best tiger fishing in Africa and, if you want to view large herds of elephants from your bed or spa pavilion, the Lower Zambezi is the place to visit. It makes a great combination with South Luangwa National Park, where game viewing is best on foot.

Leopard basking in the sun, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Exterior, Anabezi Tented Lodge, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp, Lower Zambezi, Zambia

When you should visit the Lower Zambezi

The best time to see the most abundant wildlife in the Lower Zambezi is between June and November every year, with the best tiger fishing in September.

If you go immediately after the rains, which fall from November to May, you will find the bush thick and filled with exciting bird species. The game will be a bit sparser as there is abundant water inland.

All year round, the river offers great opportunity to view game and enjoy the serenity of the area. Due to this, some camps do not close for the rains, unlike in other parts of southern Africa.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor-made itinerary I create.

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